Day Seven
Jonah 4:1-4
But this was very displeasing to Jonah, and he became angry. He prayed to the Lord and said, "O Lord! Is not this what I said while I was still in my own country? That is why I fled to Tarshish at the beginning; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and ready to relent from punishing. And now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live." And the Lord said, "Is it right for you to be angry?"
Reflection
Jonah was angry because God did not destroy Nineveh as he had threatened to do if the people did not repent. Jonah wanted to see the great city wiped out. God wanted to see their sin wiped out. We should not rejoice in the loss of souls, but rather in the conversion of sinners. God and the angels rejoice when even one repentant sinner turns back to the Lord.
Jonah points out that God is "ready to relent from punishing." What a powerful truth. God is just, but he desires to exercise his mercy before having to carry out justice. God's question to Jonah: "Is it right for you to be angry?" Implies a response: "No." It is not right for us to be angry when God showers blessings on others. "Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep," Scripture teaches us.
Prayer
Forgive me, Lord, for all the times when I have be judgemental towards others or desired you to punish them. Please help me to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. Give me your own tender love for others, that I might be an example of mercy, not judgement.
Amen.
